Isolation of a mariner-like sequence containing a complete open reading frame for transposase from Attacus atlas and its phylogenetic relationships within the Ditrysia of Lepidoptera

A complete open reading frame (ORF) encoding a transposase was found in the mariner-like element of the Emperor moth (Yonaguni-san), Attacus atlas. The transposase sequence was isolated by PCR amplification using primers derived from the inverted terminal repeat of Hyalophora cecropia. Within the ORF of the transposase sequence, two consensus sequences and a D, D (34) D motif were found. The sequence of A. atlas was homologous to mariner-like elements from Bombyx mori, H. cecropia, Manduca sexta, Sitotroga cerealella and Ephestia cautella. These results suggested that the mariner-like elements and the inverted terminal repeat may be conserved among Bombycoidea and related species of Ditrysia. Bmmarl, previously reported to be an element from B. mori, showed very low homology compared to sequences from Lepidoptera and other insect groups.